Photos

Overview

This was the premiere production of Captain Swing. Set in November 1830, and inspired by the actions of the mythical figure who lends his name to the play's title, the play follows the fortunes of impoverished farm labourers in and around a Sussex village.

Like many rural areas of the country at the time, the village witnesses the English Swing Riots, in which labourers protest against poor working conditions and the increased mechanisation of farming.

While Mathew Hardeness is committed to non-violent action, the mysterious 'Captain Swing' adopts a hot-headed approach, addressing threatening letters to landowners. Gemma Beech is also among the protestors - contemporary reviewers compared the character to the French Revolution's firebrand, Charlotte Corday. Gemma is drawn to Farquarson, who may or may not be the legendary Captain Swing.

Can peaceful protest bring social justice, or will the labourers resort to violence in the struggle to make their voices heard?

Notes

Captain Swing is one of the many productions in which Zoe performed with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. She joined the RSC at a very interesting stage in its development, sensing an exciting new dynamic among the actors. 'Some of us now at the RSC have a different sort of energy that has not been smoothed, shined or made acceptable. I like that', she commented at the time (see 'I Yearn To Be So Free and Comfortable on That Stage' interview).